Pedal attachment for pianos



(No Model.)

, 1;. 11. PLOWE.

PEDAL ATTACHMENT FOR PIANOS.

110.288,01. Patented Aug.14,1888.

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N. PETERS PbewLixhogmpher. washinglm D. C.

UNITED 'SrArEs ATE-NT QFEICE.

EUGENE II. PLowE, on rEoEIA, IL'LINofIs.

PEDAL ATTACHMENT FORv PIANOS SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Application filed January 30, 1R53.

invention; Figs. 3 and 4, details.

The object of this invention is the const-ruction of an attachment for pianopedals, whereby they can be easily operated by a child whose shortness of stature would otherwise prevent him from reaching them.

In the drawings, B is the false pedal, vertically adjustable upon the small rod Aby means of the set-screw M. The said rod A is secured to the pedal of the piano by being itself a set- Ascrew, and screwed firmly down through the collar C against the said piano-pedal, which is clasped by said collar G. I usually make the said collar C intwo parts-the inverted-U- shaped part C, having shouldered ends C C', and the plate D. j This permits me to remove said plate D, slip the part C down over the neck of the piano pedal, which is usually smaller than its end, replace the plate D, screw` the rod A down firmly, and the false pedal is secure in place. I have found, however, that the pedals B B alone are not sufficient, as, the childs feet being left to dangle, he is inclined either to keep his feet upon the pedals too much or not be able to get his feet upon them in time for the proper execution of the music. To remedy this most radical defect I have constructed the footstool S to be secured to said pedals Bk B. One side of this stool S is recessed, as shown in Fig. 2, to permit its being pushed up against the lyre R, or, if an upright piano be used, against itsside, and still not be in the way of either the regular pedals P or the false ones B B. The tivo projecting ends S S are coated with felt or some similar material, to prevent abrasion of the varnishe'd sides of the lyre or piano. Said projecting ends S S serve two other purposes as well, the

Patent No. 283,019, dated August 14, 18,33.v

(No model.)

first of which is to give support to the feet when not on the pedals B B.

In operating the pedals the feet are not moved back and forth offand on the pedals; but, with the'heels of the feet stationary upon wise off and on. These projecting ends S S', by projecting beyond. the rods A A, permit me to pivot a latch, N, to one of them, which, by extending across to the other of said ends S, behind said rods A, prevents the footstool from slipping back from the pedals, as it would otherwise do. A catch, N, fastened to one of N and holds it firm. This is quite an important point, since the false pedals B, being considerably above the pivotal line of the pedals, have a forward movement when pressed downward. As the heel of the foot is resting upon the footstool, the tendency is therefore to crowd said stool away from the pedals. The vertical adjustment of this footstool part of my pedal attachment is as follows: At the inside corners of the rectangular frame T, upon which the footstool-top LS rests, I screw the short metal legs L, made as shown in Figs. 3 and 4. The securing-screws L2 are put through long vertical slots L in said legs L, and said slots Ll are partially coiintersuiik at intervals, as shown at Fig. 4, to retain firmly the screws L2 at different points of adjustment. For duners ofthe said frame T, partially to strengthen the same, but more especially to serve as an inside screw for the reception of the adjusting-screw L2. The, feet of said legs L eX- tend out backward, as shown in Figs. 2 and 4, to prevent the footstoolfrom being tilted over.

The use of my pedal attachment aids a child greatly in its practice upon the piano, as its feet can be firm upon the footstool all the time, making the whole time of practicing less tiresome, and keeping the feet ready to press the pedals at any moment. Vithout some such raised pedals, a child must either turn the piano-stool down to its lowest height, thus bringing his arms too low for correct playing, or the child must sit clear off onto the edge of the stool with his toes .stretching downward to reach the pedals. It will be noticed that the.

the floor, the balls of the feet are moved sidethe ends S, receives the free end of vsaid latch rability, angle-irons T are fastened in the corroc smaller the child, and the higher up the false pedal B is consequently adjusted, the less pressure does it take to deflect the pedal downward.

Vhat I claim as my invention, and for which I desire Letters Patent, is as follows, to wit:

l. The collar C, having` plate l) and a smooth rod, A, having at one end a screw thread, whereby said rod is not only securable to said collar, but serves also as a set-screw to fasten both itself and the collar C to the pedal o1' a musical instrument, in combination with a false pedal, B, formed in the shape of a letter L, and having,` an aperture through its lower end, and a set-screw, M, by which said false pedal is vertically adjustable upon said rodA, substantially as and for the purpose set forth.

2. The false pedal B, having' set-screw M, and the rod A, having means of attachment to 2o the pedal of a musical instrument, in combiable pedal, a footstool, S, having recess 0 and extensible legs L, substantially as and for the purpose herein set forth.

In testimony that I claim the foregoing` invention I have hereunto set my hand this 15th day of January, 1883.

EUGENE H.v PLOXVE.

NVitnesses:

IRnss G. llonroni), J'. M. Monsn. 

